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Big blow for Arsenal as striker suffers setback

The return of Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck following knee surgery has suffered yet another setback according to manager Arsene Wenger (via BBC Sport).

The former Manchester United forward has been missing from the team since April, with Wenger now confirming that he does not think the 25-year-old will be ready to play before February at the earliest.

Originally Wenger told the press that Welbeck would be back in the squad by September, before then revising his timeframe to Christmas.

“He is still not available because of a bone bruising,” said Wenger. “That deteriorated and it is a big blow to us because we cannot rotate.”

The news is certainly a blow considering the lack of depth Arsenal are currently faced with. Welbeck’s teammate Alexis Sanchez has now missed three games with a hamstring sprain, but could be available for Monday night’s top of the table clash with Manchester City.

Fellow Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has returned to the team however after having been out for five weeks with a calf injury, and looks set to start for the Gunners on the right-wing at the Emirates.

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Given Welbeck’s latest setback, it must surely emphasize the need to bring in more than just a holding midfielder in January, and will hopefully prompt Wenger to sign another striker as Arsenal continue their quest to win the Premier League title.